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Annual Reporting On TANF Programs Under 45 CFR 265.9(b) & (c)

(b) (New York State) must provide the following information on the TANF program (for the previous fiscal year):

(1) The State's definition of each work activity;

Response:

Work Activity Definitions

Following are the definitions of allowable work activities for public assistance applicants and recipients. New York State work programs are locally administered by social services districts. Each district chooses the work activities that are offered, and may further define or expand upon the activities in their local employment plan, which is submitted biennially to the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

1. Unsubsidized Employment – Employment in the private or public sector in which the employer is not receiving a subsidy.

2. Subsidized Private/Public Sector Employment – Employment in the private or public sector in which the employer receives a subsidy that is funded by federal, state or local funds to support the employment of a public assistance and/or food stamp recipient.

3. On-the Job-Training – A work activity in which an individual receives training while on the job. On-the-job training may be subsidized or unsubsidized employment.

4. Work Experience – Work experience programs include the performance of work for a federal, state, county, city or town office or in the operation of a nonprofit agency or institution. The number of hours an individual may be assigned to work experience is limited to the number derived from dividing the public assistance and/or food stamp benefit by the higher of the federal or state minimum wage.

5. Community Service – A work activity which provides a service or usefulness to the community. Such activities include but are not necessarily limited to volunteer activities, education combined with work experience, caring for an incapacitated household member, supported work or activities which are part of treatment programs or mandated by a court.

6. Job Search – A work activity in which a person is engaged in an active effort to secure employment. An individual can only be counted as participating in this activity for up to six weeks (no more than 4 consecutive) in a given federal fiscal year in accordance with federal reporting requirements.

7. Job Readiness Training – A work activity designed to help an individual prepare for or secure employment. An individual can only be counted as participating in this activity for up to six weeks in a given federal fiscal year in accordance with federal reporting requirements.

8. Job Skills Training – A work activity that is directly related to employment which may include instruction in a job-related skill or occupation.

9. Educational Training – Education that is necessary to the individual’s attainment of employment. Includes but is not necessarily limited to, literacy, English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education.

10. Vocational Education – A work activity which involves organized educational programs offering courses which are directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment, including but not limited to competency-based applied learning, higher-order reasoning, problem solving skills and occupational-specific skills necessary for economic independence. An individual can only be counted as participating in this activity for up 12 months lifetime in accordance with federal reporting requirements.

11. Childcare Provider for Community Service Participant – A work activity in which an individual provides childcare for a participant enrolled in community service.

12. Secondary School or Equivalent – High school education or education designed to prepare a participant for a high school equivalency certificate (includes alternative high schools).

13. Single Parent or Married Teen in School or Other Education – Single parent or married teen attending high school or equivalent.

(2) A description of the transitional services provided to families no longer receiving assistance due to employment;

Response:

Many of the programs, activities and services available to families on public assistance continue to be made available to TANF eligibles once they leave assistance due to employment. The following programs are some of the ways New York State has supported workers’ employment, retention and advancement opportunities.

• Education For Gainful Employment (EDGE) – EDGE helps individuals make improvements in literacy skill levels in reading, writing, and speaking the English language. EDGE programs include GED preparation, adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESOL) and job skills training.

• Family, Adult & Workplace Literacy Programs – Family literacy programs are designed to promote family literacy by integrating early childhood education, adult basic education, parental education and parent-child literacy activities. Workplace literacy programs help employees improve basic skills such as reading, writing and computation, and to develop other job-related skills/qualities.

• English Language Instruction (ELI) – ELI programs provide the instructional services required to help low-income individuals improve their English language skills so they may obtain and retain employment. Instruction is offered to those currently employed to improve job performance and retention.

• Local Interagency VESID Employment Services (LIVES) - the goal of the program is to identify the personal and/or family issues that have prevented the target population from successfully participating in employment or employment related activities, developing steps to overcome these barriers, connecting participants with the required programs and activities in a timely manner, and providing ongoing supports to ensure participants receive the needed services

• Wage Subsidy Program (WSP) - The WSP uses the services of not-for-profit community-based organizations (CBOs) to place public assistance recipients and other low-income individuals with multiple barriers to employment in subsidized jobs, which the CBO has developed with employers.

• Transportation Programs - The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance supports a variety of programs that help people resolve transportation barriers to enable them to get to and from work. These programs provide a number of transportation related services ranging from automobile insurance assistance, affordable car loans, donated cars, drivers’ education, vehicle registration assistance, vehicle repair assistance, and other forms of transportation support.

• Family Loan Program –provides low-interest emergency loans to low-income working families who otherwise would not qualify for loans from mainstream lending institutions. The loans are intended to prevent participants from losing their jobs.

• Bridge - offers a variety of post-employment services through selected Educational Opportunity Centers and Community Colleges throughout the State.

Transitional Opportunities Program (TOP) Projects

TOP is a specialized delivery system created to ensure that participating families receive all of the ongoing assistance and services they need to remain in the workforce and improve their financial well being. Intensive case management is provided to ensure that all transitional programs and services are made available to these families. These include a multitude of programs and services such as child support, child care, medical assistance, food stamps, HEAP, the earned income tax credit, parenting and budgeting skills and/or treatment programs. TOP also provides an array of post-employment activities and job retention and advancement services to continue to support families as they negotiate the world of work.

Participation in TOP is limited to Family Assistance (FA) cases with earnings and, for up to 24 months after case closing, to those families that left assistance due to excess earnings. Since all cases administered by TOP are employed, the TOP offices are designed mindful of the cultural change philosophy that encourages and promotes work. Creating non-welfare-like office settings is essential to TOP and TOP case management. Many counties have placed their TOP offices within WIA one-stops or at another location separate from the regular DSS office. Additionally, TOP offices offer extended and non-traditional hours of operation to accommodate their working participants. Many TOP offices are Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, preparing income taxes on behalf of their working clients, assuring that they receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), if eligible. The combined federal and state earned income tax credits can be up to $5,720 per family. In addition, since VITA provides free tax preparation, households receive an added average savings of $130 in tax preparation fees.

Early TOP intervention to these working families accomplishes many things, but three significant benefits are:

1. An early message that work pays, not only financially, but also in how a case is managed.

2. A message to clients that there are support programs available to assist low-income working families who have had their cash assistance case closed.

3. A cost savings. Intensive case management will reduce the incidence of long-term receipt of FA, help reduce the number of cases that hit the five year limit, maintain grant offset by earnings and reduce recidivism.

Domestic Violence Enhanced Services

In addition to the mandated screening and assessment of victims of domestic violence, local social services districts can use TANF Services funds to support domestic violence services in their communities. One of the most common ways this is done is to increase funding to approved domestic violence services providers. Another use of these funds is for training local district staff to increase their awareness of DV. Also, some local districts are sponsoring cross-training for DV and drug and alcohol treatment providers.

Mentoring Projects

Some local districts are working directly with voluntary agencies to provide mentoring for TANF families. Mentoring is done differently by each agency. However, the basic concept is for a mentor or a group of mentors to work directly with the TANF recipient and/or family to help them overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. The mentor(s) may do a number of things, including help the recipient search for a job, help the family learn to manage conflict, or just listen and work with the family to establish priorities and sort out issues.

Case Management Projects

Case management is one of the most flexible areas in the TANF Services Plans. Local social services districts have implemented a variety of case management strategies to obtain an accurate assessment of family needs, to develop appropriate strategies to address these needs, and to gain greater control over the TANF caseload. Direct client services, such as family assessment and information and referral services, help identify barriers to self-sufficiency and help families overcome these barriers, while other case management initiatives help the local districts better manage their caseloads and provide motivational tools to help the families achieve their goals. Finally, TANF funds for case management are being used for special populations to meet their unique needs.

Emergency Services Projects

TANF Services funds are being used to support a number of emergency services statewide. These initiatives cover a variety of services, from supplementing funds for food pantries, to meeting emergency transportation needs of working families so they can retain employment. This category is a good example of how local needs can be met with TANF services funds. The counties that use their TANF funds for emergency services have identified gaps in services in their communities, particularly for families that are no longer on assistance and may need short term help. This emergency help for families leaving public assistance and for other low income households can be critical in keeping the family from returning to or entering the public assistance system.

EITC/Tax Preparation Project

A total of 25 local social services districts (and OTDA at its central office location) have established VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites in their offices to provide free income tax preparation and e-filing services to their working TANF families. In addition to providing this service at no cost, the volunteer preparers assure that each filer receives all the credits to which they are entitled, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. In this way low-income workers can get back some or all of the income tax that was withheld during the year, a genuine reward and incentive for working.

Faith Based Initiatives

A few local districts have developed projects to demonstrate the use of faith-based organizations as providers of services for TANF eligible recipients. Included among these initiatives are plans which are designed to improve family communication, strengthen family relationships, assist children residing in single parent homes, promote academic and social interaction, and provide individual and group counseling to sexually abused children.

Mental Health Projects

A number of national studies have highlighted the high percent of TANF recipients faced with mental health problems. Several local districts have developed projects, which target families with mental health problems and have designed services to address these problems and their effects on the family.

Transitional Child Care Services

Under the State Child Care Block Grant, social services districts are required to provide child care services to families with income up to 200% of the State income standard who are attempting to transition off of public assistance through work activities. Such child care is guaranteed for a period of 12 months after the month in which the family's eligibility for public assistance has terminated or ended when such child care is necessary in order to enable a parent or caretaker relative to engage in work, provided the family's public assistance has been terminated as a result of increased hours of or income from employment or increased income from child support payments or the family voluntarily ended assistance; and provided the family received public assistance in at least three of the last six months preceding the month in which eligibility for such assistance terminated or ended. The State Child Care Block Grant is comprised of federal Child Care Development Funds, TANF funds transferred to the federal Child Care Development Fund, and State and local funds.

Transitional Medicaid

Transitional Medicaid is an extension of Medicaid coverage when Low Income Families (LIF) eligibility is lost due to new employment or increased earnings of the caretaker relative and: (1) there is a dependent child living at home; and (2) the family has received LIF in three out of the six preceding months prior to losing LIF eligibility. The initial six months is generally guaranteed. There is a possible additional six months if other criteria are met, including responding to quarterly mailers.

Food Stamps

A federally funded program with the purpose of reducing hunger and malnutrition by supplementing the food purchasing power of eligible low income individuals.

(3) A description of how a State will reduce the amount of assistance payable to a family when an individual refuses to engage in work without good cause pursuant to §261.14;

Response:

Sanction Policy

The willful failure without good cause of an applicant for or recipient of TANF funded public assistance to comply with a work activity assignment results in the pro rata reduction of the benefits that the entire public assistance household would otherwise be eligible to receive. For example, for a household of four in which a parent is noncompliant with work rules, the public assistance benefit for four is reduced by twenty five percent for the duration specified below.

Sanction time periods are:

• For the first failure or refusal to comply, until the individual is willing to comply.

• For the second failure or refusal to comply, a period of three months and until willing to comply.

• For the third and all subsequent instances of failure or refusal to comply, a period of six months and until willing to comply.

(4) The average monthly number of payments for child care services made by the State through the use of disregards, by child care providers.

Response:

New York State offers no child care disregards. All child care payments are made through the Child Care Block Grant.

(5) If the State has adopted the Family Violence Option and wants Federal recognition of its good cause domestic violence waivers under subpart B of part 260, a description of the strategies and procedures in place to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive appropriate alternative services and an aggregate figure for the total number of good cause domestic waivers granted.

Response:

This provision is described in Attachment F of New York’s TANF State Plan. For the period October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, New York granted 6,259 domestic violence good cause waivers.

(6) A description of any non-recurrent, short term benefits provided, including:

(i) The eligibility criteria associated with such benefits, including any restrictions on the amount, duration, or frequency of payments;

(ii) Any policies that limit such payments to families that are eligible for TANF assistance or that have the effect of delaying or suspending a family's eligibility for assistance; and

(iii) Any procedures or activities developed under the TANF program to ensure that individuals diverted from assistance receive information about, referrals to, or access to other program benefits (such as Medicaid and food stamps) that might help them make the transition from welfare to work;

Response:

(i) Transitional Programs

Using TANF funding, we have been able to develop a variety of program approaches for responding to unique service needs identified by local social services districts. Local districts submit comprehensive plans describing the identified need, and their program strategies. The eligibility criteria and restrictions depend upon the program designed by the local department of social services. In some cases, the programs are limited to only TANF recipients, while for other projects, eligibility is expanded to families whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level. The local department of social services uses both TANF Services as well as Welfare to Work funds and the provision of support services to applicants and recipients of Family Assistance. Included among the services which are provided under the TANF Block Grant are:

• Drug/Alcohol Assessment and Monitoring
• Drug/Alcohol Enhanced Services
• Domestic Violence Screening and Assessment
• Domestic Violence Enhanced Services
• Case Management
• Criminal Justice Collaboration
• School Collaboration
• Child Welfare Crossover
• Transitional Opportunities Program
• Program Support and Training
• Services to Child Only Cases
• Housing Services
• Mentoring
• Mental Health
• Faith Based Initiatives
• Services to Sanctioned Cases
• Transportation Assistance in the form of short-term bus passes, car loans, car donations, car repairs and other one-time needs to enable an individual to travel to work
• Work-related clothing

Note: Some of these services may be provided as non-recurrent or as an ongoing service which is not short-term.

Based on funds made available to local districts, they identify service gaps, target populations and appropriate service responses. These are described in TANF services project plans, which are submitted to and subject to the approval of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Local districts also identify in these plan coordination efforts with the NYS Department of Health, Office of Children and Family Services, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and other service entities to ensure coordination of services and avoidance of duplication.

Additionally, New York State provides non-recurrent, short-term or one time payments to families and individuals through the Emergency Assistance to Needy Families (EAF) program. The EAF program is described in New York’s TANF State Plan.

(ii) New York State has no established policy which limits or has the effect of delaying or suspending a family’s eligibility for TANF assistance.

(iii) Self Sufficiency Supports Brochure

The Self Sufficiency Supports Brochure was developed to assist local social services districts in their efforts to educate temporary assistance applicants and recipients about transitional and supportive services for which they may be eligible.

An 11-minute video, three posters and a brochure were developed and distributed in the first year of New York’s Welfare Reform Informational Campaign. The “Self-Sufficiency Supports” brochure was developed as part of the second year of the campaign to continue to educate temporary assistance applicants and recipients as they transition off assistance. It is targeted toward those leaving cash assistance that may be eligible for transitional benefits and toward those who may be eligible for support benefits as an alternative to cash assistance.

Additionally, New York State advises local districts to provide clients with information on the availability of transitional programs. This is done a number of ways, through teleconferences, written directives and conferences with local districts.

(7) A description of the procedures the State has established and is maintaining to resolve displacement complaints, pursuant to section 407(f)(3) of the Act. This description must include the name of the State agency with the lead responsibility for administering this provision and explanations of how the State has notified the public about these procedures and how an individual can register a complaint;

Response:

Displacement Complaints Procedure

Employees who have a grievance regarding displacement have several avenues of recourse. An employee’s collective bargaining agreement (if applicable) is one means by which grievances regarding displacement may be resolved. Additionally, the New York State Employee Relations Board and the court system entertain alleged violations of the non-displacement statute.

Public assistance recipients who feel that they are being assigned in violation of the non-displacement statute may have their concerns addressed through a grievance proceeding with the social services district or, if necessary, a fair hearing, in addition to the relief they may obtain from the courts.

New York State is committed to upholding federal and state non-displacement provisions governing public assistance work activities.

(8) A summary of State programs and activities directed at the third and fourth statutory purposes of TANF (as specified at §260.20(c) and (d)); and

Response:

a. TANF Purpose 3

Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Services - The APPS Program provides services to eligible adolescents through 21 years of age to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. TANF funds are used in combination with local funds to support Community Service Programs (CSPs) in targeted communities with high rates of adolescent pregnancy. The services funded in each Community Service Program were determined based upon a needs assessment conducted by a Community Council comprised of volunteer representatives of community residents including youth, local government, the business community and service providers. The services include vocational and educational counseling, case management, parenting education, job skills training, pre-pregnancy family planning services, life skills, outreach, advocacy and crisis intervention services.

Advantage After School Program - The Office of Children and Family Services currently implements the Advantage After School Program, an after-school youth development initiative. These programs which are operated across the state of New York offer a broad range of age-appropriate activities, reinforcing the learning experiences of the school day. This program offers safe and accessible places for school aged children to learn and play after traditional school hours (3-7 p.m. on school days), as research has shown that these are the hours when pre-adolescent and adolescent problem behaviors occur. The selected programs are operated primarily in school buildings by community organizations in partnership with local schools and other partners.

The Advantage After-School Program has four desired program outcomes:

• Improve the social, emotional and academic competencies of school-age children.
• Reduce negative youth behaviors such as violence and crime; tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse; disengagement from school; school suspension; and truancy and health-compromising behaviors.
• Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock adolescent pregnancies.
• Provide parents with a safe after-school environment for their children.

School Collaboration/Merit Incentive Projects

Next generation dependency is an issue rapidly gaining attention. One of the best ways of preventing next generation dependency is to improve the educational achievement level of TANF children. School collaboration initiatives are designed to do just that by positively influencing the academic achievement, school attendance, behavior and/or citizenship of TANF eligible children. Several operational programs have received very positive feedback from the children, their parents, the schools and the communities.

Criminal Justice

The drug and alcohol screening provisions enacted as part of Welfare Reform in New York State have significantly increased the need for collaboration between State and local criminal justice agencies and local social services districts. Additionally, an increase in TANF services, focused on non-custodial parents, has also prompted this cross agency collaboration.

Mentoring Projects

Some local districts are working directly with voluntary agencies to provide mentoring for TANF families. Mentoring is done differently by each agency. However, the basic concept is for a mentor or a group of mentors to work directly with the TANF recipient and/or family to help them overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. The mentor(s) may do a number of things, including help the recipient search for a job, help the family learn to manage conflict, or just listen and work with the family to establish priorities and sort out issues.

Child Welfare Crossover Projects

It has been three decades since there was a DSS caseworker who not only authorized cash benefits, but also visited welfare families in their homes and kept watch over how the family was managing. Over this 30-year period, a wall has been built between the public assistance side of DSS and the children services side of DSS. Often, both sides worked with a family without any communication and no coordinated plan. The introduction of TANF funding has resulted in districts developing projects aimed at families who are in receipt of cash benefits and have open children services cases.

Child Only Cases Projects

OTDA and many local districts have focused on Child Only cases where the child’s parent(s) are not in receipt of TANF funded assistance. Child Only cases now make up almost 40 percent of the TANF caseload. Based on the fact that OTDA suspected that many of the Child Only children share similar characteristics with the foster care caseload, OTDA contracted with Cornell University to conduct a research study of NYS’ Child Only caseload. Cornell University staff in the College of Human Ecology completed a study entitled An Examination of Child-Only Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Cases in New York State.

This study provides a detailed picture of the children in child-only cases, as well as the families within which they live. Three distinct family types were examined: non-parent relative families, families where the parent receives SSI, and immigrant families. Overall, the children in the non-parent relative families appear to be doing the best. While some children in all three family types are doing extremely well, there are children and family members in all three family types that would benefit from services and supports.

Tuition Assistance Program

New York targets TANF reimbursement for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to TAP recipients with incomes below 200% of the Federal poverty level because low-income individuals are more at risk of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and are less likely to be a part of a two-parent family. TAP grants to these students were then categorized by married and unmarried individuals that had received the awards.

TANF eligible TAP costs for unmarried students are claimed under purpose three. New York uses TANF funding for TAP under TANF purpose three (prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancies) because college attendance is relevant in two important ways (Note: for TANF eligible married students, TAP is claimed under purpose four):

(1) Attending college directs individuals toward future goals of both academic and economic achievement. In the absence of educational opportunities, such as those made available through TAP, it is more likely that young people become susceptible to negative peer pressure that leads to high risk behaviors; and

(2) By enabling young adults to attend college, TAP can fulfill the promise made to younger teens about opportunities that could be available to them if they stay in school and avoid pregnancy in their high school years. In this second TAP pregnancy prevention role, TAP can also contribute to pregnancy prevention among younger students, as well as among those currently receiving TAP aid, because the program tangibly demonstrates that financial support for higher education is available and that aspirations of college and professional level employment are realistic.

Faith Based Initiatives

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and local districts have developed projects to demonstrate the use of faith-based organizations as providers of services for TANF eligible recipients. Included among these initiatives are plans which are designed to improve family communication, strengthen family relationships, assist children residing in single parent homes, promote academic and social interaction, and provide individual and group counseling to sexually abused children.

b. TANF Purpose 4

TANF Project for Community Corrections

New York State first supported criminal justice programs with this innovative use of TANF funding. The New York State Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives currently administers programs operated by service organizations and local governments. Programs target custodial and non-custodial parents, as well as adult relatives who are the primary caretakers of eligible children. Most of these programs address job readiness and employment for probationers, parolees and other individuals involved with criminal justice who are among the most difficult to place into jobs. We know that employment is one of the most influential factors effecting recidivism as is family involvement. These programs include responsible parenting, life skills, or basic education as well as case management and referral services for mental health, alcohol and other drug treatment.

Several other programs are directed at fathers. All participants are required to comply with court ordered child support payments. About one-half of the programs are for women who are mothers or the adult relative primary caretakers of minor children. Foster care placements were avoided/reversed and children reunited with parents as a result of program activities.

Parents Count Program

(Note: This program is claimed as “Other” under “Expenditures on Non-assistance” on the ACF-196)

The Parents Count Program encourages non-custodial parents to partake in the healthy nurturance, development, and overall responsibility of raising their children. The target population includes both adult and adolescent non-custodial parents. The scope of program services enables it to address many non-custodial client groups, as long as the individuals meet TANF eligibility requirements. Non-custodial parent client groups which may be served include, but are not limited to: parents with children in out-of-home placements; parents who seek or have obtained court ordered visitation; parents who require supervised visitation; parents who have been involved with the criminal justice system, including incarcerated parents; and, in general, parents who seek to initiate, restore or strengthen a relationship with their non-custodial children. Programs accept referral of non-custodial parents to the program from a variety of intake points in their community. Referral sources may include but are not limited to: their local department of social services, family court, probation, adolescent prevention and parenting service providers, and through other community based outreach efforts. The majority of non-custodial parents are male. Programs are therefore encouraged to develop innovative referral resources, which will stimulate and support outreach to adult and adolescent male parents. At a minimum, all Parents Count Programs must directly provide, or create formal linkages to deliver the following services: counseling, parenting education, mediation, assist non-custodial parents to develop a parenting plan, visitation, and job training and/or job placement.

Tuition Assistance Program

New York targets TANF reimbursement for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to TAP recipients with incomes below 200% of the Federal poverty level because low income individuals are more at risk of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and are less likely to be a part of a two-parent family. TAP grants to these students were then categorized by married and unmarried individuals that had received the awards.

TANF eligible TAP costs for married students are claimed under purpose four. New York also uses TANF funding for TAP under TANF purpose four (encouraging the formation and maintenance of two parent families) because research has demonstrated that college graduates are more likely to marry and less likely to separate. (Note: for TANF eligible unmarried students, TAP is claimed under purpose three.)

Faith Based Initiatives

(Note: This program is claimed as “Other Work Activities” under “Expenditures on Non-assistance” on the ACF-196.)

Local districts have developed projects to demonstrate the use of faith-based organizations as providers of services for TANF eligible recipients. Included among these initiatives are plans which are designed to improve family communication, strengthen family relationships, assist children residing in single parent homes, promote academic and social interaction, and provide individual and group counseling to sexually abused children.

(9) An estimate of the total number of individuals who have participated in subsidized employment under §261.30(b) or (c).

Response:

The estimate of the number of individuals that participated in subsidized employment for the FY 2005 is 7,305.

State: New York      Fiscal Year: FFY 2004-2005

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Basic Assistance (Family Assistance, Non-Cash Safety Net Assistance, & Emergency Assistance to Families)

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

Basic Assistance is made up of the following programs:

Family Assistance (FA) – FA provides cash assistance to eligible needy families that include a minor child living with a parent(s) or caretaker relative. It is operated under the federal TANF rules and is funded with federal/state/local money. Under FA, eligible adults are limited to receiving benefits for a total of 60 months in their lifetime, including months of TANF-funded assistance granted in other states. Once this limit is reached that adult and all members of his or her household are ineligible to receive any more FA benefits.

Safety Net Assistance (SNA) – SNA-FP is program that provides non-cash assistance to eligible families that are not eligible for Family Assistance due to drug/alcohol problems. Assistance in this category is provided at the same benefit levels as Family Assistance but the payment methodology pays vendors (i.e. landlords, utilities) directly for services. Eligibility for this category of assistance is basically the same as the Family Assistance program.

Child Assistance Program (CAP) – The CAP program, originally a demonstration program, is now available in any social services district that requests to participate in the program and receives OTDA approval. The CAP program provides a cash benefit and supportive services program designed to foster the federal and State welfare reform goals of work and self-sufficiency. Some of the key program features are an intensive case management component, an enhanced earnings disregard and potential Transitional Medicaid eligibility, and an eligibility threshold designed to reduce recidivism.

Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) – EAF provides assistance for families with children to deal with crisis situations threatening the family and meet emergent needs resulting from a sudden occurrence or set of circumstances demanding immediate attention.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

These programs provide the cash assistance component of New York’s welfare programs. This cash assistance is provided to eligible needy families that include a minor child living with a parent(s) or caretaker relative.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $436,136,511

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year $436,136,511

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 142,343

This last figure represents (check one):

_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

___ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Eligibility for Basic Assistance requires applicants to:
• Meet all TANF categorical requirements (i.e., child’s age and TANF relationship requirements)
• Not to have exhausted federal time limits on TANF assistance
• Appropriate citizenship
• Satisfy TANF requirements (i.e., not a fugitive felon, not a probation/parole violator)
• Meet the Income Test
• Meet the Resource Test
• Comply with all program requirements
• Document/verify all necessary information

In addition, to these basic requirements, a description of the program benefits can be found in the TANF State Plan. Additionally, a comprehensive description of the benefits can be found in Attachment E of the TANF State Plan.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ____

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. __________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.)

Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF 204, expires 6/30/2004.

State: New York      Fiscal Year: FFY 2004-2005

Date Submitted: March 31, 2006

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Non-Recurrent Short Term Payments - Diversion Payments

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

Diversion payments are certain payments issued to divert applicants from the need for ongoing assistance by meeting a specified once-only or short-term item of need. Diversion payments can be issued only to families who are categorically eligible for TANF funded assistance. These payments may include: employment related expenditures such as uniform allowances, tools licensing fees, etc.; transportation related expenditures such as insurance, car repairs, etc.; non-recurrent, short-term payments i.e. shelter costs, moving expenses, storage fees, equipment repairs.

4. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

The primary purpose or benefit of the program is to divert TANF eligible families from the need for ongoing assistance.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $30,666,147

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $30,666,147

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 81,305

This last figure represents (check one):

___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

All individuals that meet TANF eligibility requirements. For SSP-MOE expenditures, all individuals have exceeded the TANF time limit and must meet all other TANF eligibility requirements.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. ____________________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response on question 10 is No.)

Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF 204, expires 6/30/2004

.State: New York      Fiscal Year: FFY 2004-2005

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005


Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Child Care

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

New York offers child care subsidy assistance to eligible families applying or in receipt of public assistance as well as to low income families whose income does not exceed 200% of the State Income Standard.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

Child care subsidy assistance enables a child’s parent caretaker relative to engage in work or to participate in an activity, orientation, assessment, or work activity as required in their employment plan or if child care is needed for the child to be protected.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

___ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

_X This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (i.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

There are no work activities specifically associated to child care.

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $197,011,410

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $101,983,998

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 22,240


This last figure represents (check one):

___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Child care subsidies are available to three categories of families.

The first is families which are guaranteed child care. These are public assistance families which have a child under 13 and need child care to enable a parent or caretaker relative to participate in activities required by a social services official including orientation, assessment, or work activities. It also includes families who had chosen child care in lieu of public assistance and whose income now exceeds public assistance levels. These families continue to have a child care guarantee for a period up to 12 consecutive months after the public assistance case closed, provided that the case closed due to increased income from earnings or child support or the family voluntarily ended assistance and child care is needed for the parent to work and the family has income at or below 200% of the State Income Standard.

The second are families that are eligible when funds are available. This category includes; teenage parents attending high school or an equivalency program, parents or caretaker relatives in receipt of PA who are physically or mentally incapacitated and families with income up to 200 percent of the State Income Standard where the parent is working.

The third category includes families that are eligible if funds are available and if the social services district has listed such families as eligible in the district's Consolidated Services Plan or Integrated County Plan. This category includes such families as; those participating in an approved substance abuse treatment program, homeless or receiving services for victims of domestic violence, or in an emergency situation of short duration. It also includes families with income up to 200% of the State income standard when the child's caretaker is physically or mentally incapacitated or has family duties away from home necessitating his or her absence, families with an open child protective services case when it is determined that child care is needed to protect the child, and families participating in activities necessary for the family's self-support such as; actively seek employment, or certain educational or vocational activities.

For a more detailed description of eligible families see the Child Care and Development Fund Plan for 2004.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. ___________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.)

State: New York      Fiscal Year: FFY 2004-2005

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Transitional Services for the Employed

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

New York provides transitional employment-related services to households that are no longer in receipt of ongoing basic assistance because of employment. Transitional services include employment-related expenditures such as uniform allowances, disability or payroll insurance, tools, license fees, or other items needed to enable the client to maintain employment.

5. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

The primary purpose or benefit of the program is to end the dependence of needy parents on TANF assistance by promoting job retention when transitioning off assistance.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

8. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $26,973

9. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year $26,973

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 34

This last figure represents (check one):

___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Eligibility for Transitional Services requires applicants to:

• Meet all TANF requirements (i.e. child’s age and TANF relationship requirements, not to have exhausted federal time limits on TANF assistance, appropriate citizenship, not a fugitive felon, not a probation/parole violator)
• Meet the Income Test (below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines)
• Meet the Resource Test
• Comply with all program requirements
• Document/verify all necessary information

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. __________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.)

Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF 204, expires 6/30/2004.

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Transitional Services for the Employed

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

New York provides transitional employment-related services to households that are no longer in receipt of ongoing basic assistance because of employment. Transitional services include employment-related expenditures such as uniform allowances, disability or payroll insurance, tools, license fees, or other items needed to enable the client to maintain employment.

6. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

The primary purpose or benefit of the program is to end the dependence of needy parents on TANF assistance by promoting job retention when transitioning off assistance.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

10. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $26,973

11. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year $26,973

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 34

This last figure represents (check one):

___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Eligibility for Transitional Services requires applicants to:

• Meet all TANF requirements (i.e. child’s age and TANF relationship requirements, not to have exhausted federal time limits on TANF assistance, appropriate citizenship, not a fugitive felon, not a probation/parole violator)
• Meet the Income Test (below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines)
• Meet the Resource Test
• Comply with all program requirements
• Document/verify all necessary information

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. __________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.)

Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF 204, expires 6/30/2004.

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

The Central Register receives telephone calls alleging child abuse or maltreatment within New York State. The Central Register relays information from the calls to the local Child Protective Service for investigation, monitors their prompt response, and identifies if there are prior child abuse or maltreatment reports.
The Central Register receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week from two sources: persons who are required by law, or mandated, to report suspected cases of child abuse and maltreatment; and calls from non-mandated reporters, including the public.

Among those who are mandated to make reports are:

• medical and hospital personnel
• school officials
• social service workers
• child care workers
• residential care workers and volunteers, and
• law enforcement personnel.

7. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

Victims need an effective child protective service to prevent them from suffering further injury and impairment. The purpose of the Child Protective Services Act of 1973 is to encourage more complete reporting of child abuse and maltreatment. The law established a Child Protective Service in each county in New York. Each Child Protective Service is required to investigate child abuse and maltreatment reports, to protect children (under 18 years old) from further abuse or maltreatment, and to provide rehabilitative services to children, parents, and other family members involved.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

12. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $7,972,818

13. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year $7,972,818

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 144,214

This last figure represents (check one):

___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. __________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.)

Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF 204, expires 6/30/2004.

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Dependent Child Care Tax Credit within EITC Refund Beneficiaries

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

The State Dependent Child Care Tax Credit provides tax benefits (similar to the federal child care tax credit program) for working people, people seeking work, or full time students with low or moderate incomes by allowing them to deduct a portion of child care costs. If child care costs are determined to be required in order to maintain employment or schooling, the individual or family is allowed to file a state income tax return that claims child care costs as a deduction to their income when calculating taxes owed or to be refunded. The benefits are on a sliding scale depending upon income.

8. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

The child care credit provides incentives to work and attend school by increasing wage supplementation and reducing the tax burden on low-income wage earners.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

____ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

N/A: The credit is for wage earners.

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $208,025,914

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $206,371,920

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 202,767

This last figure represents (check one):

___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Eligibility is the applicants’ ability to meet the same criteria as the federal child and dependent care credit (i.e., the dependent is under the age of 13). Funds allocated are to the refundable portion of the minor child credit.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes ___ No _X_

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. ___________
(NOTE: provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.)

The credit was not refundable in FY 95.

Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF 204, expires 6/30/2004.

State: New York       Fiscal Year: FFY 2004-2005

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

The EITC is a tax benefit for working people with low or moderate incomes. This is a refundable credit that supplements federal incentives by increasing the benefit. Credits were established at 22.5% of the Federal benefit in CY 2000, 25% in CY 2001, 27.5% in CY 2003 and to 30% in subsequent years. In 2005, the rate of 30% was in effect. In continuing efforts to increase the number of low-income wage earners in New York State who take advantage of the EITC, any EITC that is received does not count as income or resources for temporary assistance and is excluded as food stamp income.

9. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

The EITC provides important incentives to work by reducing the tax burden on low-income wage earners and supplementing wages, thus promoting self-sufficiency through employment.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

___ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

N/A: Wages from employment are required to receive the benefit.

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $613,218,682

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $532,407,493

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 964,544

This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

To receive the EITC, you must be a single or married person raising a “qualifying” child or children at home and:

• Have income below $31,338 for families with one child; or
• Have income below $35,458 for families with two or more children.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes ___ No _X_

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $72,823,013_
(NOTE: provide only if the response on question 10 is No.)

Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF 204, expires 6/30/2003.

State: New York      Fiscal Year: FFY 2004-2005

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Safety Net Assistance

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

Safety Net Assistance (SNA) – SNA-FNP is program that provides assistance to eligible families that are not eligible for Family Assistance or SNA-FP due to federally imposed time limits. Assistance in this category is provided at the same benefit levels as Family Assistance (TANF funded). Family eligibility for this category of assistance is the same as the Family Assistance program.

10. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

This program provides state funded cash assistance for families that are no longer eligible for Family Assistance (TANF funded) because of federal time limits. This cash assistance is provided to eligible needy families that include a minor child living with a parent(s) or caretaker relative.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

___ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

The work requirements for families participating in the Safety Net Assistance program are the same as the requirements of the TANF funded Family Assistance program and are outlined in the TANF State Plan.

14. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $379,505,401

15. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year $379,505,401

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 49,236

This last figure represents (check one):

_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

___ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Eligibility for Safety Net Assistance requires applicants to:
• Meet all TANF categorical requirements (i.e., child’s age and TANF relationship requirements)
• Family has exhausted federal time limits on TANF assistance
• Appropriate citizenship
• Satisfy TANF requirements (i.e., not a fugitive felon, not a probation/parole violator)
• Meet the Income Test
• Meet the Resource Test
• Comply with all program requirements
• Document/verify all necessary information

In addition, to these basic requirements, a description of the program benefits can be found in the TANF State Plan. Additionally, a comprehensive description of the benefits can be found in Attachment E of the TANF State Plan.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. __________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response on question 10 is No.)

Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF 204, expires 6/30/2005

REVISED
Form ACF-204 Summary:
Programs, Expenditures and Families Served in
State Maintenance of Effort Programs
FFY 2004-2005

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”

SIGNATURE: __Robert Doar__________________

NAME: Robert Doar

TITLE: Commissioner
New York State
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

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Administration for Children and Families • 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. • Washington, D.C. 20447

This is a Historical Document.